Category: Australian News

Following today’s release of the aged care taskforce report, Greens Aged Care spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice, has called on the government to increase taxes on billionaires and big corporations to properly fund the overburdened aged care system and ensure the taskforce’s recommendations aren’t opening the door to unaffordable services and higher profits for private providers.

Senator Rice said:

“While the Greens support the wealthy paying their fair share, I’m concerned opening the door to an expanded user-pays model risks only serving to increase the profits of the private providers that are already robbing older Australians blind.

“People in aged care deserve care and support, not exploitation that maximises provider profits. The report’s example of a user paying extra to get additional subscription TV services in their room could be a harbinger of a system where providers fleece people in aged care for every minimum creature comfort.

“The elderly are not commodities – they are people. It should be an obligation of any moral society for the government to ensure our older people get the care they need.

“We have already seen deplorable behaviour from industry consultants, lobbyists and aged care providers trying to game the system for financial gain, which shows exactly what happens when the government allows public services to be exploited by private companies with inadequate oversight and regulation.

“If more emphasis on user-pays approaches is the answer, then we’re asking the wrong questions. The government needs to be responsible for funding an accessible system for all Australians who need it.

“The Government is still billions short of the $10 billion in funding for the sector that was recommended by the Royal Commission. If Labor got their priorities in order and increased taxes on big corporations, we could afford to invest the money so that people in aged care can be living a dignified life with the support they need.”

The Greens have warned that a new Labor bill to fast-track gas projects, which the Treasurer said this week was a change sought by Peter Dutton, threatens to be a roadblock in the passage of the government’s fuel efficiency standards legislation. The new gas legislation allows the Resources Minister, Madeline King, to effectively bypass decisions made by the Environment Minister and consultation with First Nations owners by fast-tracking gas projects, and is before a Senate inquiry on Thursday. 

The Greens have linked the passage of the government’s preferred option for vehicle efficiency standards to Labor’s controversial new bill to fast-track gas projects, accusing the Labor government of greenwashing and sabotaging the work of climate-conscious citizens by opening new gas fields that wipe out emissions reductions from electric cars or solar panels.

The Albanese Government has now introduced two pieces of legislation to facilitate Santos’ Barossa Gas field, which is currently sitting on Minister Plibersek’s desk. First Nations owners have strongly opposed the project. The Treasurer this week admitted that the latest changes to bypass First Nations and environment protections were aimed at getting the Liberals to support changes to separate Petroleum Resource Rent Tax legislation.

If approved, the 380 million tonnes of pollution from Barossa will more than wipe out the entire benefit of the government’s EV policy, which is 369Mt of reduction by 2050. After Barossa, there are 116 other coal and gas projects in the pipeline.

The move to fast track Barossa and sideline First Nations’ voices comes as official government emissions data shows Labor is not on track to meet even its own weak 2030 climate targets, with gas industry emissions increasing and wiping out gains made from emissions reduction in the electricity sector.

Labor’s law to fast-track new gas projects comes after the Coalition said the changes were a requirement for passage of separate PRRT legislation, and after gas giant Santos wrote to the Resources Minister complaining that new gas projects were being held up by First Nations owners refusing consent and objecting to the projects in court.

The Government is expected to come under fire for these changes at a Senate Economics Committee inquiry into the Bill on Thursday, with Senator Dorinda Cox to grill the government on the changes in Canberra.

The Greens have written to the Prime Minister saying that if he stops the naked power grab from Resources Minister Madeline King, the Greens will back the government’s new vehicle efficiency standards without amendment, even though the Greens’ position is for much tougher fuel efficiency laws.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Labor are climate charlatans. People are doing the right thing by putting up solar panels and buying electric cars, but Labor’s spitting in their faces and fast-tracking new gas mines that undo everyone else’s good work,” Mr Bandt said.

“Instead of strengthening environment laws like they promised, Labor’s weakening them and cutting a dirty deal with the Liberals. This is a massive broken climate promise.

“Gas is as dirty as coal and Labor’s own figures show that pollution from gas is rising, wiping out the gains made from people switching to renewables. 

“Labor approving just one new big gas mine would wipe out all the climate gains from its electric vehicle plan, the equivalent of ripping solar panels off four million Australian roofs.

“Labor must stop opening new coal and gas mines. You can’t put the fire out while pouring petrol on it. 

“If the Prime Minister stops the Resource Minister’s power grab to fast-track new gas mines, the Greens will pass Labor’s electric vehicle standards without amendment, even though we’d like to see them go much further.”

Senator Dorinda Cox, Greens spokesperson for First Nations and Resources:

”Labor’s first move after the Voice referendum is to silence First Nations voices who are trying to stop climate-destroying gas projects on their Country,” Senator Cox said.

“The government’s consultation with First Nations communities is already woefully inadequate, and this will just make it easier for massive fossil fuel projects to destroy 65,000 years of culture with the government’s go-ahead. 

“With government doing the bidding of their fossil fuel donors, First Nations people will fight these destructive projects via whatever means we can. We have already had two court cases on the Barossa and Scarborough gasfields that will destroy cultural heritage, Country and the climate, and the government’s attempt to further shut out First Nations voices will just step up these fights in the courts and on Country.

“The environmental approvals process for gas already has massive legislative loopholes that allow projects to go ahead without declaring First Nations people as relevant people. We should be closing these loopholes, not opening up more.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for the Environment:

“Labor can either work with the Greens to pass laws which actually protect the environment, or they can do a dodgy deal with Peter Dutton and the gas lobby to trash the environment,” Senator Hanson-Young said

Labor’s deal with the NT government on public school funding is too little, too late, and will actually lock in underfunding for the most disadvantaged students in the country.

Greens spokesperson on Primary & Secondary Education, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“The announcement of a deal to increase funding to NT public schools is welcome, but it’s a half-arsed effort that will not deliver 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard to a single Territory student.

“Labor created this broken funding model when they fumbled the Gonski recommendations, and now they’re delivering a sloppy patch-up job and declaring ‘mission accomplished’.

“Not only is this extra funding not going to be fully delivered until 2029, there is no indication that Labor plans to ditch the dodgy Morrison-era clauses that allow states and territories to deduct 4% in non-school costs from their funding contribution.

“And we can’t forget that the SRS calculation, on which funding is based, is not ‘full funding’ by any measure. It’s the bare minimum of funding a school needs to get 80% of students above the minimum NAPLAN standard.

“It’s been 12 years since Gonski, and now kids in the NT, which is the most egregiously under-resourced public system in the country, will have to wait another five years for funding that doesn’t even lift them to the minimum standard. 

“I’m not going to do cartwheels over a deal that locks in underfunding for the most disadvantaged kids in the country.”

The Federal and Northern Territory Governments have announced a landmark joint $4 billion dollar investment for housing in remote communities across the Northern Territory to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The Prime Minister made the announcement during a visit to community of Binjari, near Katherine in the Northern Territory.

The 10-year commitment to improve remote housing will see up to 270 homes built each year, with the goal of halving overcrowding. It also includes continued support for repairs and maintenance.

In addition, the Albanese Labor Government is investing a further $120 million over three years to match the Northern Territory Government’s yearly investment to continue delivery of housing improvements and essential infrastructure upgrades in remote homelands.

This builds on the momentum from the Restoring Funding for NT Homelands agreement, which was initiated last year, with a contribution from the Federal government worth $100 million.

This funding is in addition to the Northern Territory Government’s existing $40 million per annum investment in homelands housing and essential infrastructure upgrades.

The delivery of much-needed housing across remote Northern Territory communities has accelerated significantly in recent years, with Commonwealth-funded delivery increasing by more than 200 per cent between 2021-22 and 2022-23.

A key target of 1950 bedrooms was met under the National Partnership for Remote Housing NT; and in 2023-24, 157 houses are on track to be delivered well ahead of schedule. 

To support delivery of this landmark project, a Partnership Agreement will be established between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments and Aboriginal Housing NT – the Territory’s peak First Nations housing body, and Aboriginal Land Councils.

A further $1 million will be provided by the Commonwealth to Aboriginal Housing NT over the next two years, to support their role in this Partnership Agreement.

As well as supporting improved housing outcomes, this unprecedented investment will also create local employment opportunities and support the sustainability of Aboriginal Business Enterprises.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“We are committed to practical actions that improve the lives of First Nations people. Today’s announcement will improve housing conditions in remote communities and help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“This landmark agreement between the Commonwealth, Northern Territory Government and Aboriginal Housing NT delivers a significant investment in remote housing in the NT over the next decade.

“The Northern Territory has the highest level of overcrowding in the country which we are working to halve by building 270 houses each year.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney

“This government is committed to improving housing in remote communities and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“This is an historic investment that will make a difference to the lives of so many Aboriginal people living in remote communities.

“Increasing housing supply will ease overcrowding, which we know is a major barrier to closing the gap.”

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy

“Better housing for Aboriginal people living in remote Northern Territory communities is a top priority for the Albanese Labor Government.

“This investment is about long term support to deliver on that commitment and improve housing for families living in remote communities.”

Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour

“Our partnership with the Northern Territory Government, Aboriginal Housing NT and Aboriginal Land Councils will be the key to success in delivering homes for remote communities.

“Community consultations, local decision-making and community priorities will also be central to delivering these homes for remote communities.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler

“Today’s announcement will achieve unprecedented housing outcomes across the Territory. The commitment to build 2,700 homes in ten years means new homes for more than 10,000 people.

“The years to come will provide homes for remote area residents that are safer and more secure, as well as employment and training opportunities for those who live in our communities and homelands.

“This is a game changer for the Territory, as this investment goes straight into the hands of our remote communities and Territory businesses.”

Northern Territory Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo

“I am proud that our Territory Labor Government has delivered unprecedented housing outcomes in the bush, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.

“Since coming to Government in 2016, we have made significant headway towards alleviating overcrowding in our remote communities, having built and upgraded around 3800 homes.

“As the Local Member for one of the Territory’s most remote electorates, I have seen firsthand the impact of better housing for those who were living in chronically overcrowded homes with 20 or more people in one dwelling.

“This investment will go a long way towards continuing our Territory Labor Government quest for better homes and improved health, education, employment and social outcomes.”

Aboriginal Housing NT CEO Skye Thompson

“Aboriginal Housing NT (AHNT) welcomes this announcement and congratulates the Albanese Government on this historic investment. This is not just an investment in housing – it is an investment in people.

“Let there be no doubt of the significance of this investment. It is the single most comprehensive investment package into the Northern Territory’s remote housing and homelands sector. Its impact cannot be overstated.

“This investment will help ensure Aboriginal Australians across the Northern Territory are able to live with dignity and pride, where their kids can grow safe, healthy and strong and truly look to their futures with real hope and optimism.”

50 years after Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, the Albanese and Lawler Governments will honour the memory of those who died and those whose lives were irrevocably changed with a permanent monument and separate permanent memorial in Darwin.

The Australian Government is giving a total $600,000 to the Northern Territory Government to work in partnership with stakeholders to install a kinetic monument at Bundilla Beach, as well as a memorial designed by a local artist at East Point.

Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin in the early hours of Christmas morning in 1974. Seventy-one people died, more than 600 were injured, and 80 per cent of the city was destroyed. The population was left traumatised.

The cyclone, which is among the most destructive ever recorded in Australia, also changed the face of Darwin. More than 36,000 people left Darwin in the wake of the cyclone, around 70 per cent of houses suffered serious structural failure and the damage bill topped $800 million.

Cyclone Tracy did lead to the strengthening of building codes around Australia, which have helped to prevent deaths in more recent cyclones.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“It is fitting that on this 50th anniversary of such an overwhelming disaster, that we establish a permanent memorial to mark the impact Cyclone Tracy had on Darwin and on the rest of Australia.

“In honouring the people we lost, those who were injured, and those whose lives changed through the lasting trauma, we ensure they will not be forgotten.

“We also recognise the enormous effort of the people of Darwin in ensuring their city was reconstructed in little more than three years.”

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Eva Lawler

“As a Cyclone Tracy survivor I know Cyclone Tracey is in Darwin’s DNA. Territory spirit was put on display 50 years ago. The Darwin community, our local Tracy survivors and those who now live interstate are working towards significant events and activities to remember and reflect on the lives lost, those still missing and the families impacted, and to thank those who helped evacuate and rebuild our city.

“Over the past 50 years, Darwin and the Territory has transformed. We have beautiful weather, landscapes and adventures. The Territory is built on the character and stories of each of our towns and cities, especially Darwin.

“This funding will go towards the construction of a significant new permanent monument to those killed, injured and survivors. This will benefit not only Territorians but all Australians.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

“Darwin was changed by Cyclone Tracy and creating a memorial acknowledges the tragedy of Cyclone Tracy and the resilience of the people of Darwin.

“The city is now a gateway to Asia, and a thriving modern place to live and work.

“It would not be that way without the work done to rebuild Darwin and the people who stayed or returned to rebuild their community.”

Member for Solomon (Darwin and Palmerston) Luke Gosling OAM MP

“In many ways there are two Darwin’s – pre and post-Cyclone Tracy – and the story of our city cannot be told without honouring the lives lost and forever changed, as well as the strength and resilience of a community to rebuild from such devastation.

“For the first time, Darwin will have two dedicated spaces to mark this chapter in our history where survivors and their families can visit to remember, reflect and heal and where visitors and new Territorians can learn more about this tragedy and pay their respects.

“Both the monument and the memorial art installation will complement the existing Cyclone Tracy exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory.

“I’ve worked closely with Survivors Group ‘Remembering Cyclone Tracy,’ the City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government to ensure a federal government contribution to deliver these projects for survivors, their families and the community.”

All Northern Territory public schools will be fully and fairly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments following a historic agreement signed today. 

Both Governments have signed a Statement of Intent to increase funding for all public schools in the Northern Territory to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), by 2029.

This means Northern Territory public schools will reach the full and fair funding level two decades earlier than they would under current settings.

It will provide more resources to schools across the Territory to provide extra support to NT students who need it most – helping to improve education outcomes.

Under the agreement, the Australian Government will invest at least an additional $737.7 million from 2025 to 2029 in Northern Territory public schools.

The Northern Territory Government has committed to investing at least an additional $350 million over the same period.

This means the Commonwealth will increase its share of funding from 20 per cent to 40 per cent of the SRS, contingent on the Territory increasing its funding share to reach 60 per cent by 2029.

Under the agreement, the most disadvantaged schools will receive additional funding first.

This agreement follows the additional $40.4 million the Commonwealth is investing in Central Australian schools which will see those schools reach 100 per cent of the SRS this year.

The Albanese Government acknowledges the specific challenges facing the Territory, including the significant concentrations of disadvantage, with the funding needed for a public school student in the Northern Territory almost double the national average needed.

The two Governments are committed to Closing the Gap and improving the educational outcomes for Territory students.

The Statement of Intent provides a basis for the negotiation of the next National School Reform Agreement and associated bilateral agreements, which will tie funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school.

Today’s Statement of Intent follows an agreement reached recently with the Western Australian Government to fully fund all WA public schools.

The Australian Government is committed to working with all states and territories to get all public schools in the country on a path to 100 per cent of the SRS.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“My Government is committed to making sure that no Australian child is left behind.

“Every young person, no matter where they live or their circumstances, deserves to have the best start to life – access to a world class education is critical to that.

“Education and equality go hand in hand, however access to quality education has been out of reach for many in the Northern Territory.

“This historic agreement is yet another example of how my Government is working constructively with State and Territory Government’s across the country to improve opportunities for Australians.”

the Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler

“Providing extra funding to Territory schools means more than just being fair – it gives more resources to schools and teachers to help Territory kids be better equipped to enter the workforce.

“Education has the power to change lives and we’re investing in young Territorians to get the skills and knowledge they need to start their careers.

“We’re working to strengthen every aspect of our education system so our kids are work ready – this $1 billion co-investment helps to open up a new era of opportunities for Territory kids.”

Commonwealth Minister for Education Jason Clare

“This is a historic day for public education in the Northern Territory and a great example of the Commonwealth working with the Northern Territory to build a better and fairer education system.

“At the moment, Northern Territory public schools only get less than 80 per cent of the funding that David Gonski said they should.

“In other words, one in five kids are not receiving funding. This agreement fixes that.

“This agreement doubles the investment the Commonwealth makes in Northern Territory public schools.

“This agreement means the most underfunded schools in Australia will now be fully funded.

“Under current settings, Northern Territory public schools weren’t expected to receive their full funding until the middle of the century. This fast tracks that by more than 20 years.

“This is what the Albanese Government means when we say no one held back and no one left behind.”

Northern Territory Minister for Education Mark Monaghan

“No other Government in the history of the Northern Territory has achieved full and fair funding for our students and schools.

“This landmark investment by the Territory and Federal Labor Government will make an immediate difference in our schools ranging from salaries to class sizes and technology, and under this agreement our most disadvantaged schools will receive more funding first.

“Only under a Labor Government will no child be left behind.”

Responding to news that Labor would agree to Coalition demands to rewrite environment laws to fast-track new gas projects in the middle of a climate crisis, Greens leader Adam Bandt said Labor had been exposed as climate change con artists willing to let Peter Dutton write their climate laws.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is reported as saying in a major speech today that he has written to the Coalition advising that the government is amending the Environment and Biodiversity Protection and Conservation Act to fast-track new gas projects in a manner requested by the Coalition.

The Greens also called on the Treasurer to publicly release his climate correspondence with the Coalition.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“Labor are climate con artists.

”Labor is doing a dirty deal with Peter Dutton on climate and the Greens will fight them tooth and nail. 

“The Treasurer has exposed Labor as climate charlatans, working with Peter Dutton to fast-track new gas mines in the middle of a climate crisis.

“You can’t trust Labor on climate. 

“Labor is letting Peter Dutton rewrite our environment laws to fast-track gas projects.

”Gas is as dirty as coal. You can’t put the fire out while pouring petrol on it. The first step to fixing a problem is to stop making the problem worse.

“Instead of stopping more coal and gas mines, Labor is working with Peter Dutton to fast-track new gas mines, making the climate crisis worse.

“Labor must immediately release their correspondence with the Coalition so the public can see what dirty deals are happening.”

Greens spokesperson for the environment and water Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“This is short sighted and dangerous for our climate and environment. Let’s call this for what it is – the Labor government is trashing environment laws to fast track the gas industry’s profit.

“It’s disappointing to see the Treasurer is sidelining the Environment Minister – gutting environment laws to fast track expansion of coal and gas.”

oday I announce the appointment of highly qualified individuals to lead Australian diplomatic posts in Germany and the Federated States of Micronesia and to lead Australian representation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Our diplomats work for Australia by creating and driving opportunities for closer cooperation, supporting Australians overseas and prosecuting our national interests around the world.

I am pleased to announce the following appointments:

• Ms Natasha Smith as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Ms Jenny Grant-Curnow as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia.
• Ms Elizabeth Ward as Australia’s next Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

I thank the outgoing Ambassadors for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Timor-Leste have reaffirmed their commitment to securing peace, stability, prosperity and a sustainable future for the region.

Prime Minister Albanese hosted the leaders of the Lao PDR, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste in Melbourne at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

Themed “A Partnership for the Future”, the Summit marked 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner.

Leaders committed to working together to address shared challenges while embracing opportunities that will benefit all who live in our region.

Prime Minister Albanese and ASEAN Leaders adopted the ASEAN-Australia Joint Leaders’ Vision Statement and the Melbourne Declaration which set out the next 50 years of our enduring partnership to promote an open, inclusive and transparent region with ASEAN at the centre.

Leaders set out their shared aspirations for the region’s future, committing to work together to contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability, as well as enhance cooperation for sustainable development and prosperity in the region. They identified areas of practical cooperation for the future, ranging from deepening economic and socio-cultural ties to strengthening educational and environmental cooperation. These outcomes reinforce Australia’s commitment to Southeast Asia and ASEAN – now, and into the future.

In line with Australia’s deep and enduring ties with ASEAN and the priority the Government places on building stronger partnerships with Southeast Asia, today Prime Minister Albanese announced:

• Establishing an ASEAN-Australia Centre in Canberra. Commencing on 1 July 2024, the Centre will be a focal point for engagement with ASEAN and promote greater Southeast Asia cultural literacy in Australia. The Centre will focus on strengthening business, education, cultural and community connections between Australia, ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste.
• More than 75 new Aus4ASEAN scholarships, some of which will be co-funded by Australian universities, and 55 fellowships for emerging leaders from the region to have a world-class Australian education.
• An Energy Cooperation Package under the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative to enhance ASEAN-led regional energy policy and planning, including implementation of the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality. The package will support the ASEAN Centre for Energy and the establishment of an ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam.
• Providing English language training for Timor-Leste to support its path to full ASEAN membership. The package will enable valuable training to help Timor-Leste engage effectively in ASEAN.

During the Special Summit, the Prime Minister reiterated Australia’s commitment to deepening two-way trade and investment with ASEAN to drive growth that creates jobs and realises economic benefits for all people in the region. The Albanese Government announced a number of initiatives to implement key recommendations from Invested: Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, launched last year:

• Establishing a $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility to catalyse Australian investment in the region in key sectors such as infrastructure and the clean energy transition;
• Extending Australia’s Partnerships for Infrastructure initiative that supports efforts to improve regional infrastructure development and attract more diverse, quality infrastructure finance;
• Appointing 10 Business Champions to facilitate greater commercial links between Australia and the economies of ASEAN, ensuring Government and the private sector work in tandem to boost our two-way trade and investment;
• Establishing new regional ‘Landing Pads’ in Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City to bolster Australian technology exports and support the region’s digital transformation;
• Improving visa access for Southeast Asia, with the extension of the Business Visitor Visa from three to five years, and the introduction of the Frequent Traveller stream, providing 10 year visas for eligible ASEAN Member States. This sends a clear signal that Australia is open for business;
• Announcing the location of regional hubs for Investment Deal Teams in Singapore, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City; and
• The first business mission under the Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange to Singapore and Malaysia in April focusing on green energy transition.

The Albanese Government also announced the extension of initiatives to support the clean energy transition and practical maritime cooperation, including:

• Implementing the next phase of the Mekong-Australia Partnership to deepen Australia’s engagement in the Mekong subregion to address shared challenges, including water security, climate change and transnational crime.
• $64 million to enhance Australia’s Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships. This will expand Australia’s maritime cooperation with regional partners and contribute to the security and prosperity of the region, consistent with the priorities of Southeast Asian countries.
• A $10 million specific Climate and Clean Energy Window as part of the Southeast Asia Government-to-Government Partnerships Fund announced in 2023. This will facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building in addressing climate change.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“It has been an honour to host leaders from ASEAN and Timor-Leste in Melbourne as we mark 50 years of partnership between ASEAN and Australia.

“ASEAN binds our region together and I can say with confidence that our partnership has never been stronger or more consequential to our mutual prosperity and to the stability of the region we call home.

“Australia is committed to being an exemplary partner to the countries of Southeast Asia – we will continue to be constructive, and to engage with respect, honesty and trust, and, importantly, to listen.

“ASEAN and Australia’s economies are deeply intertwined. We want to play a bigger role in Southeast Asia’s pursuit of economic opportunity, development, and growth.

“My Government has made serious, sustained and consistent international engagement a priority – working together with our friends and partners to shape the future we want to see.”

Ten years on from the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight 370, the Australian Government’s sincere sympathies remain with the loved ones of the 239 passengers and crew on board, including seven people who called Australia home.

Despite coordinated efforts to locate the missing plane over the last decade, those who lost loved ones have not had the answers they seek. We recognise their ongoing heartache and grief.

Today, we also acknowledge the significant contributions made to support the Malaysian Government in the search for MH370 over many years. 

Australia coordinated what was one of the biggest search operations of its kind in history when the aircraft disappeared, searching over 3 million square kilometres above the water and more than 120,000 square kilometres under the water, sadly without locating the missing aircraft.

We thank all of those who assisted in these efforts, including the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Defence Science and Technology Group, Geoscience Australia, and the CSIRO.

The Australian Government is supportive of all practical efforts to find MH370. Australia stands ready to assist the Malaysian Government if it considers that Australian agencies are able to offer technical information as a result of their involvement in previous searches.